On Wednesday, February 21, 2024, The Solomon Islands National University (SINU) and its stakeholders came together to collectively commemorate the International Mother Language Day. The event took place at Pavilion SINU Panatina campus, running from 9 am to 2 pm. The theme of the event was โMultilingual education is a pillar of intergenerational learningโ.
Speaking during the event Dean of Faculty of Education and Humanities, Dr. Patricia Rodie said Language is the soul of a nation, a repository of its history, traditions, and collective memory.
She further stated that in the Solomon Islands, our diverse vernacular languages are the heartbeat of our communities, connecting us to our ancestors and to each other.
โIt is with great honour that I stand before you today, on behalf of the Vice Chancellor Solomon Islands National University, to commemorate International Mother Language Day.โ
โThis day holds profound significance as we celebrate the rich tapestry of languages that form the cornerstone of our cultural heritage and national identity in the Solomon Islands.โ
โLanguage is the soul of a nation, a repository of its history, traditions, and collective memory.โ
โAs the late Nelson Mandela once said, “If you talk to a man in a language he understands, that goes to his head. If you talk to him in his language, that goes to his heart.”
โIn the Solomon Islands, our diverse vernacular languages are the heartbeat of our communities, connecting us to our ancestors and to each other.โ
โRecognising the pivotal role of language in early childhood development and education, the new Education Act 2023 has taken a landmark step by mandating the teaching of vernacular languages in early childhood education.โ
โThis is a testament to our nation’s commitment to preserving our linguistic heritage and ensuring that our children are rooted in their cultural identity from a tender age.โ
โAt the Solomon Islands National University, we are dedicated to advancing this mission.โ
โWe understand that language is not just a means of communication but a vessel for carrying our values, wisdom, and the essence of who we are as a people.โ
โAs such, we are committed to integrating language and vernacular training into our teacher education programs, ensuring that future generations are equipped to nurture and pass on this invaluable legacy.โ
In honouring the commitment to the preservation and development of vernacular languages at SINU, the FEH Dean also announced a new partnership with Kulu Language Institute.
“In line with our commitment to the preservation and development of our vernacular languages, I am thrilled to announce that SINU is exploring a partnership with the Kulu Language Institute”
“This collaboration, spearheaded by Dr. Alpheaus Zobule, will significantly enhance our vernacular language training, and contribute to the cultural richness of our educational landscape.”
“We are honoured to welcome Dr. Zobule who will be joining our University community as an Adjunct staff member.”
The event started with an interactive session from 9am to 12 pm where SINU students and members of the public viewed items mainly books written in indigenous Solomon Islands languages displayed by participating organisations.
Tok stori event stated at 12pm with a language poem, sharing of brief history of the origin of International Mother Language Day, a presentation from Ministry of Education and Human Resources Development (MEHRD) Permanent Secretary (PS) Dr. Franco Rodie, followed by a presentation from the Dean of Faculty of Education and Humanities (FEH) Dr. Patricia Rodie, and a presentation by Timothy Matzke from Solomon Islands Translation Association Group (SITAG) who did a presentation on Language vitality and the languages of Solomon Islands.
The event ended with a question and answer session.
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